Nurturing Homes for Thriving Tomorrows

Participatory Science Platform (PSP) Project in New Zealand Addresses Indoor Air Quality

In a significant initiative, students from Rongomai Primary School and Manurewa High School have teamed up with the Landcare Research Team Leader Dr Peter Buchanan and Dr Stanley Bellgard, a plant pathologist and mycologist from Landcare Research, to investigate the issue of indoor air quality in their local community.

Through the Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project, part of the Participatory Science Platform (PSP) programme, these students have been taught how to collect test swab samples and use iButton sensors to measure and record indoor temperatures and humidity levels. This project is part of a broader effort to combat the prevalence of damp, mouldy homes and their impact on health in South Auckland.

Rongomai Primary School is leading the Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project, which received funding through the South Auckland pilot of the PSP. The PSP, initiated under the Curious Minds initiative and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, encourages community and citizen engagement in scientific research that addresses real-world environmental and sustainability issues.

Dr Bellgard's analysis of the samples revealed that 80% of the homes were mouldy, with 14 different types of mould across the homes in forms likely to cause harm. Moreover, he found three types of yeasts with the potential to cause disease and three bacteria with antibacterial resistance. These findings highlight the need for further investigation, particularly for homes with the yeasts and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The project has received nationwide attention and additional funding for further investigations. Science teacher Nick Pattison and high school teacher Nicole Stevens, along with their students, are collaborating with the Manurewa High School Health Sciences Academy and various science and community groups to continue the research.

In an educational activity called "Investigating dampness and mould growth," students used bread slices to explore the role of moisture in mould growth. Furthermore, the Rongomai STEM programme produced a music video with tips for maintaining well-ventilated and healthy homes, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of indoor air quality.

The South Auckland pilot of the PSP was managed by COMET Auckland, a council-controlled organisation of Auckland Council. COMET Auckland hosts the Auckland STEM Alliance, which leads the pilot in South Auckland. In addition, Nirvana Healthcare will build a child-friendly, professional lab for testing homes for dampness and mould for the next 5-10 years.

The Government's national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, emphasizes the importance of citizen science and collaboration in scientific research. This project is a testament to the effectiveness of these approaches in addressing real-world issues and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry among the younger generation.

The ongoing challenge of indoor air quality is being addressed through a collaborative effort involving students from Rongomai Primary School and Manurewa High School.
They've partnered with the Landcare Research Team Leader, Dr Peter Buchanan, and plant pathologist Dr Stanley Bellgard.
The students have been trained to collect test swab samples and use iButton sensors to monitor temperatures and humidity levels.
The Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project, part of the Participatory Science Platform (PSP), seeks to combat damp, mouldy homes and their health implications in South Auckland.
Rongomai Primary School heads the project, funded through the South Auckland pilot of the PSP.
The PSP, under the Curious Minds initiative and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, promotes community and citizen engagement in scientific research.
Dr Bellgard's analysis revealed that 80% of the homes were mouldy, with 14 types of harmful mould found.
Three types of yeasts with potential to cause disease and three antibiotic-resistant bacteria were discovered.
This underscores the need for further investigation, particularly in homes with these specific types of organisms.
The project has attracted national attention and secured additional funds for further studies.
Science teacher Nick Pattison and high school teacher Nicole Stevens are leading the collaborative efforts with their students.
They're working alongside the Manurewa High School Health Sciences Academy and various science and community groups.
As an educational activity, students experimented with bread slices to understand the role of moisture in mould growth.
A music video produced by the Rongomai STEM programme aims to raise awareness about maintaining well-ventilated and healthy homes.
The South Auckland pilot of the PSP is managed by COMET Auckland, a council-controlled organisation of Auckland Council.
COMET Auckland oversees the Auckland STEM Alliance, leading the pilot in South Auckland.
Nirvana Healthcare will create a child-friendly, professional lab for testing homes for dampness and mould for the next 5-10 years.
The Government's national strategic plan for Science in Society, A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, underscores the importance of citizen science and collaboration.
This project demonstrates the effectiveness of these approaches in addressing real-world issues and fostering scientific inquiry among the younger generation.
Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining good health, and addressing indoor air quality is a significant aspect of health-and-wellness.
Smart home devices and wearables could assist with tracking air quality within homes, contributing to the climate-change conversation.
The manufacturing industry could develop innovative solutions for reducing moisture in homes and combat the prevalence of damp and mould.
As the impact of climate-change intensifies, environmental-science will play an increasingly important role in addressing these issues.
The venture-capital industry could invest in startups that develop efficient technologies to improve indoor air quality and promote sustainable living.
Healthy cooking, like baking and preparing beverages, can help improve mental-health and overall well-being.
Interior-design can also contribute to better mental-health by fostering a calming and comfortable environment.
The findings from this project could influence retail strategies for selling products related to health-and-wellness, skin-care, and home-improvement.
The insights from science and technology could revolutionize the automotive, transportation, and smartphone industries, offering eco-friendly options and advancing data-and-cloud-computing.